We’ve arrived at the stage where most of the crucial offseason moves have been finalized—and in an unsurprising trend for the third consecutive offseason, the have once again outmaneuvered everyone, allegedly flexing their muscle, much to the excitement of fans across the league.
The have built a culture that both retains and attracts top-tier talent, and no one is accusing them of becoming complacent. As fans, we’re currently anticipating the World Baseball Classic and the potential returns of Quique Hernandez (possibly around when players come off the 60-day injured list) and Evan Phillips (likely near the All-Star break).
Rather than waste time on trivial topics like gondolas or entertain the absurd idea that the are to blame for the inevitable December lockout—which is just the same story from a different viewpoint—let’s shift focus to what’s happening up north with the other National League West teams.
Amid the buzz around signings like Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz, the NL West seems less focused on their own affairs. The biggest news from the San Diego Padres this winter was the surprising reports about Yu Darvish’s potential retirement, despite having three years left on his contract. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks haven’t made much noise, though they were the last team to knock the out in October. I’ve held back my criticisms for the past few offseasons, but come March, that silence will end.
As for the Colorado Rockies, they’ve made headlines only because I’m planning a family trip to Denver in August. But what about the Giants? Living within an hour of Oracle Park, I’m always tuned into their moves—and despite attempts to ignore it, the fans won’t let them slide. Their offseason can be summed up in two words: solid, admirable inactivity.
To borrow from the British comedy “Yes, Prime Minister,” the Giants have perfected the art of “solid, admirable inactivity” this offseason. I’ve previously criticized their persistent mediocrity, save for a brief 2021 spike that seems more a happy accident than a trend. Essentially, the Giants are not contenders, a fact as clear as ever.
In the past, I echoed the sentiment that the Giants, much like kids who peaked in high school, failed to reflect on their shortcomings and instead blamed others, doubling down on a false narrative that 2021 was the norm. Local fans are starting to come around to this reality and are voicing their frustration.
This frustration is underscored by the Giants signing lesser-known pitchers like Tyler Marlette, Sam Hentges, and Adrian Houser, while ignoring top market talents such as Tatsuya Imai, Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, and Edwin Diaz. Last year, the paid nearly as much in luxury tax as the Giants did for their entire roster. When the most headline-worthy move is a puzzling managerial hire, even homegrown fans question if Buster Posey’s leadership vision has faltered. Posey is likely headed for the Hall of Fame next year, but his approach in the front office leaves much to be desired.
On January 20th, San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser shared candid thoughts with Foul Territory, disagreeing with the notion that the Giants have serious postseason hopes in 2025. After all, the Mets’ collapse last season was dramatic—they started strong but fell apart spectacularly—and the Giants’ playoff chances seem even less realistic. Even if the Giants squeaked into the postseason like the Reds, they would likely struggle against the .
Slusser highlighted the lack of movement on high-profile players such as Bo Bichette, Tatsuya Imai, Cody Bellinger, and Munetaka Murakami, despite Posey’s stated intention to trade them, pointing out that none were available on exorbitant deals. Giants attendance has hovered around 33,000–36,000 in recent years, ranking middle of the pack, which raises questions given the team’s mediocre efforts.
Dave Tobener of SF Gate chimed in on January 22 with a piece titled “I Thought Buster Posey Changed the SF Giants’ Way. Looks Like I Was Wrong.” His essay humorously framed the Giants’ offseason as a repeat of minimal, uninspired moves, directly paralleling what was once the approach of former GM Farhan Zaidi. Tobener pointed out that the Giants’ roster looks nearly identical to last year’s, with a weaker bullpen and unresolved gaps in the lineup, seemingly relying on a new manager to “right the ship.” He questioned why anyone should fear or hate this Giants team, especially when their own fans express growing frustration.
Adding to the narrative, Giants pitcher Logan Webb was asked about the offseason during the team’s fan fest. Webb diplomatically acknowledged it’s not his role to add players but admitted it’s tough to watch the strengthen their roster and make the game tougher—implying some disappointment in his own team’s inactivity.
The , in contrast, won nine of 13 games against the Giants in 2025, a tally that would have been even better without key bullpen setbacks. They’ve continued to bolster their bullpen and improve their corner outfielders while rumors swirl about Michael Conforto’s possible departure.
Do I sympathize with an organization that indirectly contributed to the Oakland Athletics’ exile in West Sacramento? Not really—sometimes teams get what they deserve.
The Giants did make a December acquisition, almost forgotten amid the silence: they bought the Curran Theatre, just a short distance from Oracle Park and Mission Rock development. It’s unclear if the McCourts ever made such a bold move 15 years ago, but for fans, it’s a reminder to savor this golden era while it lasts.
Fan Take: This offseason highlights the widening gulf in ambition and execution between the and their NL West rivals, particularly the Giants. For baseball fans, it’s a clear signal that while one franchise relentlessly pushes toward greatness, others risk fading into irrelevance, shaping the competitive landscape and fan experience for years to come.
